There are certain assumptions people continue to make about PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) that make me want to hand out informational brochures on PTSD myths. Especially bothersome are the misconceptions rooted in stigma. Let’s take a look at some of the more common false assumptions. Assuming PTSD Makes People Dangerous I can’t go a day without reading an article about an act of violence where the author infers that the suspect is a veteran, therefore must have PTSD, and must be dangerous. Allow me to set the record straight. Yes, individuals with PTSD are at an increased risk for vio ..read more

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stigma is alive and well. If you have PTSD, you’ve probably heard someone tell you to “just get over” your trauma. Maybe it was a well-meaning friend or family member, like my father who was frightened by my suicidal ideations. Or maybe it was a less well-meaning stranger, like the rude New Yorker who recently commented on my blog telling me to “grow up and take responsibility for [my] life.” Whether the statement comes from a place of love or stigma, it doesn’t make sense in the context of PTSD. Here’s why. Why This PTSD Stigma Doesn’t Make Sense The PTS ..read more

When it comes to PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), not all therapists are created equal. Finding a competent trauma therapist for your PTSD recovery can be difficult without an understanding of the technical and interpersonal skills a trauma therapist should possess, and what approaches you find comfortable. Identifying Your Criteria for a PTSD Therapist There are several evidence-based treatments for PTSD. Not every trauma therapist will be skilled in every treatment for PTSD, but they should all be familiar with the different therapies available. Trauma-focused psychotherapies are exte ..read more

For many individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), short-term memory loss is a significant concern. While working to calm and organize memories of trauma, individuals with PTSD may also struggle to recall simple everyday information. Short-term memory loss can leave an individual with PTSD with concerns over deteriorating cognitive skills, and uncertainty about just how much forgetfulness is reasonable and how much becomes a medical concern. How to Identify Short-Term Memory Loss with PTSD Short-term memory loss with PTSD results in symptoms we often label as forgetful. Have you ..read more

There are barriers to recovery from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mental illness recovery often begins as an uphill battle. It doesn’t help that aside from difficult symptoms, those of us living with one or more mental illness also have to combat stigma and wide-spread misinformation–all while navigating a mental healthcare system that often favors the wealthy. Recovery from PTSD is saddled with some very specific barriers. In fact, treatment resistance is actually a symptom of PTSD. If you or a loved one are struggling to recover from trauma, please hold back from judgement. There ar ..read more

Regardless of the nature of the trauma leading to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), difficulties with PTSD and intimacy are common. A quick search of the internet will return dozens of links to websites regarding PTSD and the challenges it presents in maintaining intimate relationships. There is a flood of information regarding trust issues, poor communication, closeness, violence, sexual dysfunction, and more. However, in my case, all the facts and statistics do is cause my eyes to glaze over without really getting to the point. In an intimate relationship, partners usually come to under ..read more

Learning how to care for someone with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be hard. As someone who has served as both a caretaker of someone who has PTSD and a person in need of care, I intimately understand the difficulties interlaced in the care of people with trauma histories. For example, it can be hard for us to express joy and gratitude, even when we feel it. People with PTSD can be prone to anger, which may make us lash out verbally or even physically (though studies have shown that PTSD does not usually make people more violent than the general population). PTSD can be treatment r ..read more